[SatNews] Snell has released Alchemist OD, the software-only version of Snell's standards converter and the first product to use Snell's On Demand technology.

On Demand is a media processing framework that provides instant access to Snell's award-winning signal processing algorithms in file-based, virtualized broadcast, and digital media environments. With the launch of the acclaimed Alchemist Ph.C-HD (phase correlation) motion-compensated standards converter onto the Snell On Demand platform, Snell brings the best of frame-rate conversion to the software realm, enabling instant access to high-quality, rapid, anytime processing of media files.

With Snell On Demand software solutions, users can rapidly enter new markets and create new services that open up additional revenue-generation opportunities. This approach enables cost savings through the use of standard IT hardware and supports highly efficient operations that enable 24/7 asset use.

Alchemist OD makes it easy to bring frame-rate conversion seamlessly into file-based workflows. In applications ranging from international program delivery to integration of movies or user-generated material into content schedules, Alchemist OD provides the world's highest quality software-based frame-rate conversion. The superior processing within Alchemist OD means that users don't need to change modes of operation to suit particular material, whether it's fast-paced sports, live events, or breaking news coverage. Alchemist OD provides the best results the first time, every time.

Supporting a wide range of content standards, and using Snell's unique Ph.C technology, Alchemist OD converts incoming files into the standards, formats, and wrappers required by users, all on their preferred deployment platforms. Using industry-standard interfaces, and with a service-oriented architecture (SOA) approach, Alchemist OD allows conversions to be accessed from media asset management (MAM) systems, thereby allowing conversions to run unattended in an automated workflow, 24/7.

Snell OD products are completely scalable and can be deployed on a single PC or implemented in a virtualized machine environment. Snell's flexible licensing assures that users are not locked into specific hardware configurations (cores/CPUs/GPUs).